Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa has been an iconic character for over four decades, inspiring generations of movie-goers and boxers alike. The Rocky franchise is one of the most popular and successful movie franchises of all time, with six movies released between 1976 and 2006. In 2015, Stallone brought the franchise back with Creed, which introduced the world to Adonis Creed, the son of Rocky’s former rival and friend, Apollo Creed. The Creed franchise has since produced two movies, with a third currently in development. In this article, we will be ranking all nine movies in the Rocky and Creed franchises, taking into account their critical reception, box office success, and cultural impact.
The Rocky Franchise:
The Rocky franchise began in 1976 with the first Rocky movie. The film tells the story of Rocky Balboa, a down-on-his-luck boxer from Philadelphia who gets a shot at the world heavyweight championship. The movie was a critical and commercial success, winning three Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Rocky went on to become a cultural phenomenon, spawning five sequels and inspiring countless imitators.
Rocky (1976)
Rocky is the movie that started it all. It is a classic underdog story that is still as compelling today as it was in 1976. Sylvester Stallone’s performance as Rocky Balboa is iconic, and the movie’s themes of perseverance and determination continue to resonate with audiences.
Rocky II (1979)
Rocky II picks up right where the first movie left off, with Rocky Balboa facing the consequences of his bout with Apollo Creed. The movie is not as critically acclaimed as the first, but it is still a solid sequel that builds on the themes of the original.
Rocky III (1982)
Rocky III marks a shift in the franchise’s tone, with the series becoming more focused on spectacle and less on character development. The movie features Mr. T as Clubber Lang, a brash and aggressive boxer who challenges Rocky for the heavyweight title. Rocky III is a fun movie, but it lacks the emotional depth of the first two films.
Rocky IV (1985)
Rocky IV is perhaps the most over-the-top movie in the franchise. It features Rocky taking on Ivan Drago, a Soviet boxer who is presented as the ultimate villain. The movie is heavy on action and light on plot, but it is still a lot of fun to watch.
Rocky V (1990)
Rocky V is widely considered the weakest movie in the franchise. The movie sees Rocky retire from boxing and become a trainer, only to be betrayed by his protégé. The movie lacks the heart and soul of the earlier films, and Stallone himself has admitted that it was a misfire.
Rocky Balboa (2006)
Rocky Balboa is a surprisingly solid movie, considering that it was released 16 years after the previous film in the franchise. The movie sees Rocky come out of retirement for one last fight, and Stallone’s performance is as strong as ever. Rocky Balboa is a fitting end to the franchise, even if it does not quite reach the heights of the first few films.
The Creed Franchise:
In 2015, Stallone revived the Rocky franchise with Creed, a spinoff that focused on Adonis Creed, the son of Rocky’s former rival Apollo Creed. The movie was a critical and commercial success, earning Stallone an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor
Ranking the Rocky and Creed Movies:
Creed II (2018)
Creed II is a solid sequel to the first Creed movie. The film sees Adonis Creed facing off against Viktor Drago, the son of Ivan Drago, the villain from Rocky IV. The movie has some great boxing scenes, but it lacks the emotional depth of the first Creed movie.
Rocky Balboa’s Creed (2022)
Rocky Balboa’s Creed is a highly anticipated movie that is currently in development. The film will see Rocky training Adonis Creed once again, and it promises to be a fitting end to both the Rocky and Creed franchises.
Rocky V: Director’s Cut (2020)
In 2020, a director’s cut of Rocky V was released, with Stallone re-editing the movie to better reflect his original vision. While the new version is an improvement over the original, it still suffers from the same problems, namely a lack of heart and soul.
Conclusion:
The Rocky and Creed franchises have produced some of the most iconic movies in cinema history. While not all of the movies are great, they have all contributed to the legacy of Rocky Balboa and Adonis Creed. Whether you’re a boxing fan or just a fan of great movies, there is something to enjoy in these nine films.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Who plays Rocky Balboa in the movies?
A: Sylvester Stallone plays Rocky Balboa in all nine movies.
Q: Who directed the Rocky and Creed movies?
A: John G. Avildsen directed the first Rocky movie, while Stallone directed the remaining five Rocky movies. Ryan Coogler directed Creed, and Steven Caple Jr. directed Creed II.
Q: Which Rocky movie is the best?
A: The original Rocky movie is widely regarded as the best in the franchise.
Q: Are there any more Rocky or Creed movies in the works?
A: Rocky Balboa’s Creed is currently in development, but beyond that, there are no plans for any more movies in the franchise.
